Issue 32
November/Decem ber 2000

Prairie Grains is the official publication of the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, South Dakota Wheat, Inc. and the Minnesota Barley Growers Assocation.

Copyright Prairie
Grains Magazine
 November/
December 2000

USTR commits to investigating allegations against CWB

U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky has announced her office's decision to proceed with an official investigation into the anti-competitive trade practices and policies of the monopolistic Canadian Wheat Board and the government of Canada, as alleged by the North Dakota Wheat Commission.

Provisions for the investigation fall under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes the USTR to retaliate against any unjustifiable, unreasonable or discriminatory act or policy of a foreign country.

The NDWC has obtained numerous documented case studies from third country sources that point to discriminatory pricing practices by the CWB, but until now has been without means to force the release of hard pricing data and documentation from Canada. The entire 301 investigation process could take a year, but the NDWC is hopeful that all elements can be completed more expeditiously.

In its petition, the NDWC is seeking both short-term relief to CWB trade distortions and a long-term solution that addresses the very nature of the Canadian government's monopoly over the procurement and sale of Canadian wheat.